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Atang Mahlomaholo
Atang Mahlomaholo is a dedicated Senior Economist at the Central Bank of Lesotho, specializing in healthcare markets, macroeconomic policy, and data analysis. He plays a key role in ensuring effective monetary policy and maintaining the Loti-Rand peg. With expertise in macroeconomic forecasting, international reserves management, and automated reporting systems, Atang is known for his innovative approach to economic research. He holds a Master’s in Applied Economics from Eastern Michigan University and has received multiple accolades for his work.
Experience
Senior Economist
Central Bank of Lesotho
Maseru, Lesotho
current - 2024
- Forecasting & Liquidity Management: Monitor liquidity conditions and provide strategic advice on optimal Open Market Operations (OMO) to enhance monetary policy implementation.
- Liquidity Forecasting Enhancement: Improved liquidity forecasting frameworks by incorporating novel machine learning approaches, enhancing predictive accuracy and decision-making.
- International Reserves Strategy: Prepare periodic technical reports on forecasting and determining optimal and prudential levels of international reserves, ensuring the stability and adequacy of the reserves to maintain the currency peg.
- Monetary Policy Advisory: Advise on prudential monetary policy responses, including policy rate adjustments and reserve adequacy, to maintain the currency peg between Lesotho’s Loti and the South African Rand.
- Automation & Efficiency Improvements: Automated repetitive tasks and workflows within the Research Department using R, Python, and other programming languages, significantly improving operational efficiency. These systems are now integral to the Research Department’s periodical reporting processes.
- Data Pipeline Development: Designed and implemented end-to-end data pipelines that integrate data from API endpoints and internal databases, enabling seamless updates to relational databases and streamlining data analysis processes within the Research Department
Economist
Central Bank of Lesotho
Maseru, Lesotho
2024 - 2019
- Automated Reporting System Development: Developed an automated reporting system using Quarto and Markdown within the Posit ecosystem, now utilized by the Research Department for generating periodic reports.
- Monetary Policy & Liquidity Management: Ensure optimal conduct of monetary policy by forecasting banking sector liquidity, monitoring liquidity conditions, and advising on effective Open Market Operations (OMO) strategies.
- International Reserves Management: Prepare periodic technical reports on the forecasting and determination of optimal and prudential international reserves levels, ensuring the Central Bank of Lesotho maintains adequate reserves.
- Reserve Money & Exchange Rate Stability: Advise on prudential targets for reserve money levels and set an international reserves floor to safeguard the fixed exchange rate between Lesotho’s Loti and the South African Rand.
- Macroeconomic Forecasting: Actively participate in forecasting exercises to produce bi-annual macroeconomic outlook reports for Lesotho’s economy using the financial programming approach.
Economic Consultant
The World Bank
Maseru, Lesotho
May 2019 - Jan 2019
- Data Collection & Analysis: Collected, cleaned, and conducted preliminary analysis of high-frequency macroeconomic data sourced from government ministries, data agencies, and other custodians in Lesotho.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Established and maintained working relationships with major economic institutions, data agencies, and relevant stakeholders, facilitating collaboration and data sharing for the World Bank office in Lesotho.
- Reporting: Compiled and disseminated periodic economic reports (weekly and monthly) for the Macro Team, focusing on key economic indicators and developments in Lesotho.
- Technical Support for Communications: Assisted the Communications team with technical insights and analysis on economic matters, ensuring accurate and effective reporting for the country office.
Projects
Econ Data APIs
Personal Project
Remote
current
- Overview: This repository provides a programmatic interface to access multiple economic data sources. It is designed with both R and Python, ensuring broad applicability for data analysis and research in economics.
- Features:
- Custom functions to easily access and retrieve economic data without relying on external libraries, which can become obsolete if not maintained
- Support for both
RandPython, offering flexibility in tool choice for users. - Focus on creating user written functions to ensure long-term reliability and avoid dependency on third-party packages.
- GitHub Repository: Econ Data APIs
Data Warehousing Project
Central Bank of Lesotho
Maseru, Lesotho
current - August 2024
- Spearheading a project to enhance operational efficiency by integrating and streaming data from internal databases and external API endpoints.
- Overseeing the development and implementation of real-time data pipelines, enabling more accurate and timely decision-making.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.
Website Revamp Initiative
Central Bank of Lesotho
Maseru, Lesotho
current - 2023
- Contributing to the overhaul of the Central Bank’s website to improve user experience, functionality, and accessibility.
- Collaborating with IT, design, and content teams to ensure the website meets the institution’s strategic goals and serves stakeholders effectively.
Research Experience
Research Assistant
Eastern Michigan University
Michigan, USA
2018 - 2017
- Assisted in data collection, data cleaning, and analysis for Dr Amanda Stype.
- Collected and synthesised literature on healthcare utilisation by US military veterans.
Research Assistant
Ministry of Finance & Development Planning
Maseru, Lesotho
Jul 2011 - June 2011
- Assisted in data collection, analysis, and interpretation for the study.
- Conducted literature reviews and supported the development of research methodologies.
- Collaborated with senior researcher to compile and synthesise findings into actionable insights for the final working paper.
- The Paper is on the World Bank’s Policy Research Working Paper and can be found here
Teaching Experience
Health Economics
National University of Lesotho (Part-time)
Roma, Maseru, Lesotho
2022 - 2020
- Designed and delivered comprehensive lectures on health economics, covering key topics such as health care systems, economic evaluation, and the role of economics in public health.
- Developed course materials, including syllabi, assignments, and exams, to enhance students’ understanding of health economics.
- Provided academic support and mentorship to students, fostering their analytical skills and understanding of the economic principles applied to health care.
Graduate Assistant
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA
Apr 2018 - Sep 2017
- Undergraduate Tutoring & Support: Provided tutoring and maintained office hours to assist undergraduate economics students with coursework and technical questions, enhancing their understanding of key concepts.
- Course Support & Grading: Developed answer keys and graded midterms and quizzes for Professor Stype, ensuring consistent and fair assessment of student performance.
- Research Assistance: Supported various research activities as a graduate assistant, contributing to academic research projects within the economics department.
Education
M.A., Applied Economics
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA
2018 - 2016
- Fulbright Scholar
- Wrote a paper modelling Out-of-pocket Health Expenditure in the US using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey dataset
- Wrote a paper evaluating the effects of the Affordable Care Act on labour market outcomes in the US
- GPA 3.72
B.A., Economics
National University of Lesotho
Roma Maseru, Lesotho
2012 - 2008
- Minored in Statistics
- A final year project evaluated the effects of financial integration on macroeconomic volatility in SACU countries
Awards
Outstanding Performance Award
Central Bank of Lesotho
Maseru, Lesotho
2023
Recognition of outstanding service and contribution as a member of staff of the Central Bank of Lesotho. This award is given to the best performing individual in their respective departments
Service Award
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA
2018
Recognition of outstanding service as a graduate assistant in the Economics Department
International Honor Society in Economics
Omicron Delta Epsilon; Eta Chapter of Michigan
Michigan, USA
2017
Recognition of high scholastic achievement in the field of economics
J. William Fulbright Scholarship
U.S State Department
Michigan, USA
2016
U.S government’s flagship international education and cultural exchange program for exceptional students and researchers
Top Economics Student Achievement Award
Ned Bank Lesotho & LRA
Maseru, Lesotho
2011
An inaugural award given for the best essay during the annual national budget speech (1st prize)